locomotive

Definitions

loco (from Latin locus, 'place') + mot (move) + -ive (tending to) = 'moving from place to place.' Originally an adjective describing self-powered motion (locomotive power); it then became the noun for the train engine that carries itself and its carriages from place to place. Two roots meet here: loc (place) + mov (move) = 'place-moving.'

Common Collocations

• 1.steam locomotive蒸汽机车
• 2.diesel locomotive柴油机车
• 3.electric locomotive电力机车

Example Sentences

• 1.

  A massive steam locomotive pulled into the station.

• 2.

  Modern locomotives are powered by diesel or electricity.